Over the past couple of years, the rise of social media has brought attention to a growing problem with a potential unfamiliar face. Death by suicide, especially among minorities in the public eye, has been increasing. Over the past few years, we are becoming much more aware of the mental illness that is plaguing many, that sadly can cause one to end their own life by suicide.

Recently, even ones that seemed to have it all together and even built a platform on raising awareness around mental health, lost their own personal battles, leaving behind a host of loved ones and social media followers to mourn them.

For example, Lee MacMillan, an influencer known for traveling the world in her van, died by suicide. She was 28. According to People.com there was a statement from her family that said, “If we can do one thing for Lee now, in the midst of this soul-crushing loss, it’s to spread the message that mental health is just as real as physical health, and that illness can strike anyone, no matter how unlikely they may seem. It’s ok to not be ok, it’s ok to ask for help, it’s absolutely necessary to ask for help.”

TMZ reported, “Rapper 600 Breezy is mourning his girlfriend’s sudden death … and it appears she died by suicide.600 Breezy just posted a social media tribute to his girlfriend of two years, Raven Jackson, including photos of them together and screenshots of what appear to be a suicide note.In the text message, Breezy’s girlfriend tells him she’s tired and has been dealing with bad thoughts for years and was waiting for the right time to act. She mentions she is hanging out on a bridge and notes she “gave up a long time ago.”

We also are aware of former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst, who died by suicide after years of battling depression, even though everything seemed “fine” in the public eye.

Males are just as affected by mental illness. It broke no doubt our hearts to learn of Ian Alexander Jr., the only child of award-winning actor Regina King, died by suicide at 26.

So what can we as a community do about this growing epidemic of unresolved mental illness resulting in death by suicide?

1. Talk about mental illness- In many minority communities, this topic is taboo. But social media has created a whole new type of pressure for many that is pushing the limits of mental illness to the breaking point. We must have an open conversation around this.
2. Don’t ignore the signs. Sometimes, there is a window of time when a person is thinking about ending their life. Do you know what to look for, and what to say?
3. If you see something, say something. We can no longer make the statement, “it’s just social media, so it’s not that serious!” People are building business and a virtual family through social media. If you see someone’s behavior change on social media, reach out directly to them. A direct message, a text or email, might be something that gets a person who is in mental crisis, help.

From the National Alliance on Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/home

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness of this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic

Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.

Crisis Resources

• If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately.
• If you are uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can chat the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org.